College Applications 101
As August comes to an end, most seniors have started their final year of high school and are beginning to put together their college plans. There are many steps that go into the planning process. As you narrow down your list of schools and put together your application list, you will need to know the most common materials you will need to help the process go smoothly.
While the list below is not comprehensive of all the materials you will need, as it varies greatly based on competitiveness and potential majors, the list below covers the six most common items you will need to complete your college applications.
Online Applications
There are a variety of online platforms to apply to college. The Common Application is the main platform used for many schools. However, the University of California has its own website, and the California State University system has its own platform as well. When applying to college, it is important to know which accounts you will need to submit your applications.
Your High School Transcript
You will need an unofficial copy of your transcript to fill out components of the application for some colleges. While not all colleges will need it, the information on your transcript is valuable and helpful for you to see what the colleges will review when considering your candidacy. You will also need to request a copy of your official transcript be sent to many colleges that use The Common Application.
Extracurricular Activities & Awards
You have worked hard academically, but you have also worked hard or completed some really great things outside of the classroom. There is so much life in high school, and extracurricular activities are a way to highlight some experiences you have gained and developed throughout the last four years.
Personal Statement
There are a variety of essays you may need to write for your college applications. The Common Application has a personal statement where you can choose one of seven prompts to write about your life experiences. In addition to the personal statement, many colleges have 1-3 short answer questions they ask to help understand you and your fit to their campus. The UC system asks students to submit four short personal insight statements for their application.
Letters of Recommendation
Building positive relationships with your teachers and peers is always valuable. Asking a mentor or teacher who you have positively contributed to their classroom or connected with is another place in your application where admission readers can better understand you as a student and how you will interact academically and socially on their campus.
Standardized Test Scores
We are still in the gray area of test scores. Some colleges are test blind, some are test-optional, and many are bringing back the requirement for test scores. We have recently seen the SAT and ACT move to a digital test. It is important to know what your potential schools’ testing policies are. Do they take unofficial test scores or do they prefer official scores? If they are a test-optional school, you will need to evaluate your test scores and determine if they will strengthen your application.
If you are unsure which materials you will need for the schools you are applying to, you can always research them online by going to the college or universities website and looking at the requirements for admission materials. There you will find a comprehensive list of what and how the school would like to receive your information. If you are unable to find the information online you can also use resources like your school or reach out to me for additional help. Remember to pay attention to details and follow instructions on the right materials to present your best candidacy when applying.
I hope everyone has an excellent start to their college application season. With the right preparation, this can be an exciting and empowering experience.
Happy Applying!
